Silverthorne voters OK TABOR question, other ‘housekeeping’ items

SILVERTHORNE – By a wide margin, Silverthorne residents voted Tuesday to keep the town’s TABOR revenue cap exemption in place indefinitely. They also approved three “housekeeping” measures pertaining to town elections.

“We’re pleased with the passage of the TABOR questions,” said Silverthorne’s financial director Donna Braun. “Without the TABOR limitations, the town can continue to provide the essential services our citizens have come to expect.”

Silverthorne “de-Bruced” in 1994, and the measure allowed the town to retain all sales tax revenues collected until 2013. The Town of Silverthorne wanted to continue with its revenue retention, the only change in the measure being that it didn’t include a “sunset” provision.

According to the town, the ballot question didn’t include a tax hike – it only asked for an exemption to the specific part of the TABOR law focused on revenue collection limitations. All other voter rights under TABOR will remain in place.

Housekeeping measures

“Housekeeping” measures approved in Silverthorne included three issues:

– The first question amended Section 2.3, titled “Election Day.” The question asked residents to allow election days to be held on the first Tuesday in April, rather than the first Monday following the first Tuesday in April. This will now make Silverthorne’s election day in sync with other towns in the county.

– The second question asked residents to repeal Section 2.7, called “Nominating Petitions.” Assistant to the town manager Ryan Hyland said candidates for public office are required to get signatures saying they should be a candidate. The town will now use the state requirement, so it’s not confusing to candidates.

– The third question asked town residents to repeal Section 2.8, called “Notice of Election.” The measure now requires that an election notice to be published with the same content, but not in the same size and shape. This is now in line with state requirements. The old statute required that the notice be published in the exact same size and shape.

For more information on any of these ballot questions, contact the Town of Silverthorne at (970) 262-7300.